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*Spanish housing sales increased 28.4% throughout 2012 (General Council of Notaries) -*British biggest buyers of Spanish property overall,equaling 15%of total foreign purchases.Foreign buyers are now as important to the Spanish property market as they were in 2006, when the real estate boom was in full swing, with waves of "climate" migrants investing in the Spanish property dream once again.

"Spend your time at the festival, not with us", Foreign Office warns music fans visiting Spain

British music fans heading for festivals in Spain this summer are being warned to keep their possessions safe from thieves if they want to avoid spending time with the police and British Consulates instead of enjoying the music.

Ozzie is a friendly medium sized black dog only 12 kilos that was found wandering. He is a sweet natured young dog, he loves playing and is good with children,he has been vaccinated, castrated, chipped and has a passport. He is only about 15months old.

For more information about Ozzie please telephone the PEPA helpdesk on 650 304 746 or email
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With Russian homebuyers predicted to overtake Britain's bargain hunters, situation vacant opportunities are opening up for Russian speakers. Russian language advertising is now commonplace throughout the Costa regions. Many companies, eager to tap into the Russian speaking market, are setting out their marketing information in Russian. Antonio Mayor. Benidorm Hotel Association says, "We have a goldmine we have yet to exploit."

Every year, all along the coast, you'll see rows of little stalls with hand-made jewelry and artistic T-shirts lined up along the front. The jewelry might be made by hand, but usually not by the people selling the stuff. It will come from Third World countries and is bought from specialised importers. Nice as a holiday souvenir, but you can buy the same stuff in any pound store. And now for something a little different.This summer you will find a different sort of stalls set up in Jávea Puerto - stalls with jewelry, turned wood, scarves, carvings, leather, ceramics made by the people of the stall. Amata - the people who launched "Artesanía de Autor" - have been asked to organise a real craft market, and this looks like it is going to succeed. With the blessings of the local shopkeeper's association, who want a little bit of quality for a change.

The new British Consulate in Alicante was officially opened on Friday 7 June by the UK Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman, in an event marking the importance that the Alicante region has for British expatriates and visitors, as well as the huge value of the British contribution to the local economy.The President of the Alicante provincial government, Luisa Pastor, was present at the opening together with local authorities, National Police and Guardia Civil representatives.

Mr Paxman said the Consulate in Alicante was one of the busiest Foreign Office consular posts in the world. The investment in modern and efficient premises by the British Government demonstrated its commitment to ensure that vulnerable British nationals are supported when things go wrong. The new offices have improved disabled access and a layout that provide a much improved customer experience.

*The largest Balearic island of Mallorca boasts 41 Blue Flag beaches. Of the 48 nations eligible for recognition in the Blue Flag Programme, Spain has emerged number one. In fact, 1 in every 6 Blue Flag beach is located in Spain signalling good news for property owners with homes on or nearby these certified beaches.

Martin Shaw and Angela Hov are celebrating after winning Levante's Divisional Championships at Oliva Nova.In Division 1 Martin was trailing Andrew Harrison by four shots after the first round, played at La Sella two weeks previous.But his 38 points at Oliva gave him a total of 66 points and saw him move up the leader board to beat Mike Cuerden and Andrew into second and third positions, three points adrift.An outstanding score of 43 points at La Sella gave Angela a seven point lead going into the second round and she was able to hold off her nearest challenger, Dick Temperton, to win with an aggregate score of 78 points, five more than Dick.Third was Graham Hutson, with 38 points, the best Division 2 score of the day. He had a two-round total of 66 points.

This week, British Consul Paul Rodwell attended the inauguration of the brand new tourist assistance office in Benidorm. The service, called SATE, (Servicio de Atencion al Turista Extranjero), is a police department whose role is to offer foreign tourists personalised assistance, in their own language, if they are victims of crime.The service will be given by National Police officers and personnel from the tourist information office.The SATE office aims to reduce the distress that being a victim of crime can cause by helping tourists to make a police report, as well as offering other practical services such as the use of phone and internet to cancel credit cards or contact friends and family.

The Supermoto racing brothers from Murcia were in action again over the weekend for the latest round of the Valencian Supermoto championship held at Villena in Alicante. Both brothers qualified their 'Advance Moves International Removals' Supermotoland SML450 race bikes on the front row of the gird for the first of their two races.It was former Spanish champion Israel Escalera who took the early lead with Anthony Ford-Dunn chasing hard in 2nd place followed by former Belgium champion Lionel Deriddier and then Anthony's older brother Mat Ford-Dunn in 4th. Israel's pace was just a little too quick for Anthony and the pair finished a close 1st and 2nd , whilst Mat caught and nearly passed Lionel in the closing stages to finish 4th.

Transgender woman moved to tears after 100% Hotter makover
A 23-year-old transgender woman finally feels she is her true self after being given the style overhaul she has always wanted.
Lydia came out to her family and friends just eight months ago after an emotional journey but when it became to developing a female style she was left feeling a little lost.
Desperate to become more feminine Lydia appears on 5STAR's 100% Hotter where she revealed that her current wardrobe is limited to just two items.
Lydia, 23, came out as transgender eight months ago but says she has struggled identifying her own style
However, after appearing on 5STAR's 100% Hotter Lydia has been given a sophisticated style over haul
Speaking of her look Lydia said: 'I don't have a lot of clothes mainly because certain things don't fit and I am very tall as you can see.
'Without heels I am 6ft 4in. With heels I'm two metres. Like a glamazon I guess. The hair is a wig - I have a reclining hairline so I have to wear wigs.'
She entered the show's 'hot spot' to meet stylist Grace Woodward, hair stylist Daniel K Palmer and make-up artist Melissa Sophia showcasing a rock chick look.
pre bonded hairThe 23-year-old paired an asymmetric red top with leather leggings and heeled boots. Her 'box red' wig was topped with a knitted hat that she admitted was a 'comfort thing'.
Lydia revealed that she does worry about how she looks to others: 'There's always a little bit of anxiety when you're passing people in the street but I feel like who I've always wanted to be. I feel like a woman.
'Finding myself is kind of a struggle I don't really know what my style is I'm just trying random clothes but I don't know if it looks good or if it's good in the public eye.'
Before her makeover Lydia showcased a rock chick look pairing an asymmetric red top with leather leggings and heeled boots. Her 'box red' wig is topped with a knitted hat that she admits is a 'comfort thing'
As is the nature of the programme, Lydia's photograph was shown to members of the public on the street where they rate her look out of ten - Lydia averaged a four.
Grace Woodward invited Lydia to talk through her clothing choices and she admitted that she was not a fan of Caitlyn Jenner's style.
Lydia said: 'Obviously she's an inspiration but I don't like her style because she looks like a middle aged woman'.
Melissa uses contouring tricks to make Lydia appear more feminine and Daniel uses a lace front wig in order for her hairline to appear more natural
Stylist Grace Woodward (left), hair stylist Daniel K Palmer (centre) and make-up artist Melissa Sophia (right) were on hand to offer their expertise

The team set to work transforming Lydia with make-up artist Melissa revealing that a colour corrector can help to hide stubble as well as applying the Kardashian's favourite contouring trick.
Hair expert Daniel swapped Lydia's red wig for a natural hair lace-fronted one in an auburn shade while Grace added sophistication to her wardrobe with Seventies style prints.
Upon seeing her new look Lydia was left close to tears: 'I love those shoes and I love this dress. Little bit emotional.
'I'm ecstatic to show off to my friends my family, especially my mum and my sister. They're going to be so pleased to see me as I am now.
'This is just me embodied as a woman now, this is a defining point for me and I will definitely reflect on it in the future and throughout the rest of my life.'
Also on the show is 23-year-old Sasha who nominated herself for a make under after her friends claim that she dresses like EastEnder's character Kat Slater
Sasha admits that her look is not popular with women having previously been physically attacked by them
Also on the show was 23-year-old Sasha who nominated herself for a make-under after her friends claimed that she dresses like EastEnders' character Kat Slater.
As she met the trio of stylists, it came clear that Sasha did seem to share the same taste in animal print and platform heels as the Walford resident.
When Daniel asked what attention she gets from women she said: 'I get a lot of horrible comments sometimes they even physically attack me'.
remy hair extensionsBut it isn't just women who give Sasha a hard time. She added: 'I've had weird situations on public transport where I have had to literally grab a guy's phone and throw it because he's sitting there thinking he was taking pictures of me slyly.'
The expert team of stylists help to tone down Sasha's neon bright look with more neutral and subtle tones
Sasha admitted that she isn't offended by her comparisons to the famous soap character adding she was open to changing her make-up but didn't want anything done to her hair.
When her appearance was put to the public vote, the 23-year-old was given four out of ten.
One member of the public commented: 'This image gives off "I want to have sex with somebody". I think she could be classier.'
But fiery Sasha was quick to defend herself, responding: 'I think it's a bit rude saying I look like I wanna have sex with someone when he looks like he hasn't been laid in his life so he should shut up'.
However, the three style experts managed to tone down her appearance, convincing her to ditch her extensions, thick make-up and bright colours for a more pared down look.
Her verdict? 'I do feel like it's a whole different look. I like it but it's different,' she said.
'I do really like the outfit, I think it's really cute. I do love the plait. I love like the whole style but I don't know whether I look like an alien.'
100% Hotter is on Wednesday nights at 8pm on 5STAR

She's currently filming the latest series of America's Top Model.
And being the host of the most style-conscious programme in the United States, it was little surprise that Rita Ora showcased her own flair for fashion on Monday.
Enjoying a break away from the set of the show in New York, the 25-year-old Hot Right Now singer stepped out in a quirky, high-fashion take on street style.
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Hot right now? Being the host of the most style-conscious programme in the United States, it was little surprise that Rita Ora showcased her own flair for fashion on Monday
perruques cheveux naturelsLeaving her hotel in Manhattan, the former X Factor judge looked runway ready herself.
Opting for a white printed tee-shirt, which bore cyrillic script, Rita made sure her outfit would spark interest.
She paired the baggy tee with some classic black Adidas tracksuit bottoms, and chose to tuck her top into the waist band.

Street chic: Enjoying a break away from the set of the show in New York, the 25-year-old Hot Right Now singer stepped out in a quirky, high-fashion take on street style
Her own personal catwalk show? Leaving her hotel in Manhattan, the former X Factor judge looked runway ready herself
Slinging a matching Adidas track top over one shoulder, the Radioactive chart-topper cut a casual figure.
Rounding off her look in high-fashion manner, the London native wore a pair of ruby red stilettos.
Never one to shy away from accessories, the star wore a funky red and white choker, a collection of gold jewellery and a pair of rose-tinted aviators.
Say what? Opting for a white printed tee-shirt, which bore cyrillic script, Rita made sure her outfit would spark interest
Keeping it casual: She paired the baggy tee with some classic black Adidas tracksuit bottoms, and chose to tuck her top into the waist band
Sassy shoes: Rounding off her look in high-fashion manner, the London native wore a pair of ruby red stilettos
perruques cheveuxQuuen of bling: Never one to shy away from accessories, the star wore a funky red and white choker, a collection of gold jewellery and a pair of rose-tinted aviators
Wearing her blonde lock pulled back into a scruffy bun, the singer made sure no stray hairs fluttered across her striking features.
Opting for a natural palette of make-up, the Kosovo-born singer chose to highlight her plump lips with a flash of bright pink lipstick.
Taking over from Tyra Banks on ANTM ,Rita has been busy filming series 23 of the show with model Ashley Graham, stylist Law Roach, and Paper Magazine CCO Drew Elliot.
Back to work? Taking over from Tyra Banks on ANTM ,Rita has been busy filming series 23 of the show with model Ashley Graham, stylist Law Roach, and Paper Magazine's Drew Elliot

She's spent the summer performing at festivals across the US.
And it looks like there's no rest for Lana Del Rey, who was heading back into a recording studio in Santa Monica on Sunday.
Dressed down in skinny blue jeans, a strapless white cotton top with a simple white shirt thrown over the top, the 31-year-old singer made her way to lay down some new vocals.
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Young And Beautiful: Lana Del Rey kept it casual in skinny jeans and a white shirt as she headed to a recording studio in Santa Monica on Sunday
lace front wigsThe the Born To Die hitmaker wore her newly-dyed chocolate brown locks in a half-up do, pulled away from her face, but hanging loosely around her shoulders.
Despite her low-key weekend outfit, the songstress added some hits of colour with her accessories, opting for a chestnut hued Chloe saddle bag to stow away her essentials.
The vintage-loving beauty added a pair of red sandals but shunned her regular favourite cat-eye shades.
Pure and simple: Dressed down in a strapless white cotton top with a simple white shirt thrown over the top, the 31-year-old singer made her way inside to lay down some vocals

Cherry sandals: The the Born To Die hitmaker wore her newly dyed chocolate brown locks in a half-up do, pulled away from her face, but hanging loosely around her shoulders
With her make-up taken back to basics, the natural beauty only needed a touch of powder and smudge of pale lipstick to finish off her look.
Recently a song made by Lana in 2011 was leaked on to the internet.
The track, titled BBM Baby, paid homage to the days of Blackberry phones, and appears to praise sexting.
Back to work: With her make-up taken back to basics, the natural beauty only needed a touch of powder and smudge of pale lipstick to finish off her look
cosplay wigsLast year, Lana released her latest album, Honeymoon, and she will continue her tour outside of the US in the autumn.
The singer will visit Ireland in September and perform in Mexico in October.
And while she's been focusing on her own upcoming performances, she enjoyed a Rihanna concert in Los Angeles in June with singer Jonathan Wilson.
It is not known if the two are merely pals, or are dating.
New flame? The star enjoyed a Rihanna concert in Los Angeles earlier this month with singer Jonathan Wilson. It is not known if the two are merely pals, or are dating